MLS Team of the Month: San Jose Earthquakes

If the San Jose Earthquakes used March to let MLS competition know that they were an improved side, they used April to let their foes know that they are a legitimate contender.

San Jose was able to go through the month unscathed, snapping the Vancouver Whitecaps' record shutout streak to start a season in a 3-1 win; twice coming back from deficits to draw the New York Red Bulls 2-2 even after losing centerback Victor Bernardez and winger Shea Salinas to injury; defeating Real Salt Lake 3-1 and winning 2-1 in Philadelphia en route to first place in the Western Conference and SBI's MLS Team of the Month honors.

The club's depth has become its calling card, with coach Frank Yallop able to turn to Jason Hernandez and Ike Opara in defense with injuries to Bernardez and Ramiro Corrales, and the likes of Marvin Chavez and Steven Lenhart coming off the bench to account for the result at PPL Park over the weekend.

San Jose beat out the likes of D.C. United, which went 3-0-2 to climb into second place in the East; and Sporting Kansas City, which went 4-1-0 including wins over Real Salt Lake, Los Angeles and Vancouver, to claim the monthly honors.

What did you think of the Earthquakes month? Think they are for real? Which team do you think had the best April?

Ah well, it’s now May- but I agree tonite is gonna be another big game even tho’ it’s west vs east. Both teams in the middle of 3 games in 8 days; wonder if the Quakes & DC rest players. How’s the depth on the DC bench, btw?

On offense, good, on defense not as much. Already got some key injuries on the back line. But offensively Salihi and Najar are both capable of coming off the bench (not that Salihi has done much, but still, if $ means anything he’s gotta do something eventually)

I think most agree that San Jose is much improved but they wont believe they’re a real contender until they beat all of the top clubs in the league. Props to Yallop and Doyle for building a very deep quality team. It’s already paying off with Salinas and Bernardez out for a while.